CHAPTER 39
The Determination to Stop the Water
The conversation between Sasuke and Naruto brought a faint smile to Shisui's face, reminding him of the days he sparred with Itachi. He vividly recalled the first time he met Itachi—Itachi was just a young boy, brimming with potential. Through relentless training, Itachi grew into a formidable ninja who could shoulder immense responsibilities. Now a member of both Anbu and the Uchiha police force, Itachi had dedicated his life to safeguarding the village and their clan.
Shisui watched Sasuke and Naruto with silent admiration. These two young prodigies were destined to follow the same path he and Itachi once walked, becoming protectors of Konoha. Their bond as rivals and friends mirrored the bond he had with Itachi. This cycle of nurturing new protectors was the essence of the Will of Fire—the philosophy that united the village and inspired selfless devotion.
After observing the two for a while, Shisui chose to leave without interrupting their training. With tensions running high between the Uchiha clan and the village leadership, any misunderstanding could erode the trust he had earned from the Third Hokage. Approaching Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, might spark suspicion, and trust was something Shisui could not afford to lose.
As he walked away, a question lingered in Shisui's mind: When did I first come to believe in the Will of Fire? Was it during his days at the Ninja Academy? Or perhaps on missions with his comrades? Maybe it was during the grueling battles of the Third Great Ninja War? The exact moment was lost to time. Shisui shook off these thoughts—there was no room for introspection now. Preventing Uchiha Fugaku's coup was his top priority.
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Back at the training field, Sasuke frowned and scanned the area. "I felt like someone was watching us," he said, his voice uneasy. "Did you notice anything, Naruto?"
Naruto laughed and waved a hand dismissively. "It's all in your head, Sasuke. Who'd want to spy on a couple of Academy kids?"
Despite Naruto's casual demeanor, Sasuke's instincts nagged at him. Still, the idea of being important enough to spy on seemed ridiculous. "Maybe you're right," Sasuke muttered. "Let's stop here for today. But tomorrow, I'm going to beat you. Shadow clone training is helping me improve fast!"
"I'm looking forward to it," Naruto replied with a grin. But as Sasuke walked away, Naruto's cheerful expression faded. He, too, had sensed something earlier—a presence that sent a chill down his spine. It wasn't the familiar watchfulness of the Third Hokage or the ever-present Anbu guards. It was something different, something unsettling.
"Kyuubi," Naruto murmured, "did you sense anything?"
The Nine-Tails rumbled within his mind. The one who was watching came from the Hokage Building and headed toward the Uchiha compound. If I had to guess, it was Shisui Uchiha.
Naruto's eyes widened. Shisui Uchiha, the clan prodigy, was a name spoken with both reverence and caution. Known as "Shisui of the Body Flicker," he possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan and its most feared ability—Kotoamatsukami, a genjutsu that could alter a person's will without their knowledge. Naruto recalled the tragic tale of Shisui's death: ambushed by Danzo Shimura, one of his eyes stolen, and the other entrusted to Itachi before he leaped to his death near Naka Shrine to prevent conflict between the Uchiha and the village. But what if those events hadn't yet come to pass? If Shisui was still alive, what was he planning?
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A few weeks later, Shisui stood outside the Uchiha Police Force headquarters, gazing up at Fugaku's office. He had spent days among his clan, witnessing firsthand the growing divide between the Uchiha and the rest of the village. Violent law enforcement by the police force had alienated villagers and civilian shinobi alike. Each incident widened the rift, making it harder to envision a peaceful resolution.
Even if he could use Kotoamatsukami to alter Fugaku's will, it would only delay the inevitable. The systemic issues between the Uchiha and the village would persist unless drastic changes were made. Shisui sighed heavily. Tonight's meeting at Naka Shrine would be critical—it was the clan's last step before declaring a coup. If he failed to act, the village would descend into chaos.
Lost in thought, Shisui didn't immediately notice the figure approaching him. When he did, he reacted instinctively, vanishing in a blur and reappearing behind the intruder. It was a masked ninja—a member of Root.
"Shisui Uchiha," the masked man said, "Danzo-sama requests your presence at the Root headquarters."
Shisui narrowed his eyes. "Danzo? What does he want with me?"
"He wishes to discuss the future of the Uchiha," the Root ninja replied. "You're not obligated to come, but he thought you might want to hear him out."
Shisui hesitated. Danzo Shimura was notorious for his ruthless tactics and disdain for the Uchiha. Yet, he was also a senior figure in the village and a former comrade of Shisui's grandfather, Kagami Uchiha. Perhaps a conversation with Danzo could provide clarity—or even a solution.
After a moment's deliberation, Shisui nodded. "Lead the way."
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At the outskirts of Root's base, Shisui spotted Danzo waiting for him, his back turned. The bandaged elder exuded an air of authority and menace. Shisui steeled himself, aware that whatever lay ahead could determine not only his fate but the fate of his clan and the entire village.